I know that Realtors® are looking for guidance about conducting business during this time of uncertainty. We are aware of concerns about the potential impact of County Clerk's office closings as well as questions about how agents should advise clients if closings are delayed.

 

This is a fluid situation, and at NVAR, we are taking a number of steps to address concerns, first and foremost related to health and safety. The content of our communications on this situation and links to primary information sources can be found at NVAR.com/openforbusiness. We invite you to widely share this content with your agents.

 

As brokers, you have important decisions to make about how to advise your agents as they work with clients during the various stages of the transaction process. As your association, our goal is to assist you with that responsibility by providing access to the latest tools, resources and information.

 

What we know about County Clerk's Offices and Deed Recordings:

 

Based on ongoing conversations that our government affairs and legal staff teams are having with elected officials and administrators at the local and state levels, we know the Virginia Supreme Court has mandated that County Clerks' offices remain operational and provide essential services while balancing the health and safety needs of court visitors and personnel. All non-essential, non-emergency court proceedings in all circuit and district courts are suspended through April 6.

 

We are in discussions with our strategic partners in the finance, settlement and title industries, as well as staff teams at the Virginia and National Association of Realtors® and will share updates as they become available.

 

More information to come:

 

Please look for another communication from us soon, compiled by NVAR’s legal staff team with best practices to assist you and your agents when working with clients during this time.

 

NAR’s online coronavirus guidance for Realtors® is a living document, updated by NAR on a regular basis as new information becomes available.

 

Whether you have concerns about your client-centered work or managing your business, please know that NVAR is open for business and prepared to address your professional needs. Please stay healthy and safe!